The page discusses the differences between the 12-speed Shimano Dura-Ace (R9200), Ultegra (R8100), and 105 (R7100) cassettes.
Unlike the previous 10 and 11-speed cassettes, there are only two sizes for Shimano 12-speed cassettes (11-30T and 11-34T). There is no 11-30T version for R7100.
| Comparison | Dura-Ace | Ultegra | 105 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model number | CS-R9200-12 | CS-R8100-12 | CS-R7100-12 |
| Technology | Hyperglide+ | Hyperglide+ | Hyperglide |
| Cog material | Titanium, steel | Steel | Steel |
| Spider material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Price (USD) | $360 | $112 | $66 |
Weight comparison and difference
The Dura-Ace cassette is the lightest, followed by Ultegra and 105 cassettes.
The Dura-Ace cassette is up to 35% lighter because the cogs are made of titanium and steel. The Ultegra and 105 cogs are made from steel only.
| Cassette size | Dura-Ace | Ultegra | 105 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-30T | 223g | 291g | n/a |
| 11-34T | 253g | 345g | 361g |
| Comparison | 11-30T | 11-34T |
|---|---|---|
| Dura-Ace vs Ultegra | 26.46% | 30.77% |
| Dura-Ace vs 105 | n/a | 35.18% |
| Ultegra vs 105 | n/a | 4.50% |
Cog size and material breakdown
Titanium is used in the largest 5-6 cogs on the Dura-Ace cassette vs steel in Ultegra and 105 cassettes. From the photo above, the darker grey (largest 6) cogs are titanium.
| Cog size | Dura-Ace | Ultegra |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Steel | Steel |
| 12 | Steel | Steel |
| 13 | Steel | Steel |
| 14 | Steel | Steel |
| 15 | Steel | Steel |
| 16 | Steel | Steel |
| 17 | Steel | Steel |
| 19, 21 | Titanium | Steel |
| 24, 27, 30 | Titanium | Steel |
For 11-34T, the 17T and 19T form a sprocket unit, but only the 19T is made from titanium. The 17T is made from steel.
| Cog size | Dura-Ace | Ultegra | 105 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| 12 | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| 13 | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| 14 | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| 15 | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| 17, 19 | Titanium, steel | Steel | Steel |
| 21, 24, 28, 32, 36 | Titanium | Steel | Steel |